The group also condemned Mr. Thaksin for the language he used in announcing the new campaign. Mr. Thaksin referred to drug dealers and traffickers as heartless, wicked people who, in his words, should be sent to meet the "guardian of hell."

Human Rights Watch called on an Italian organization to rescind an award it gave to Mr. Thaksin last month, honoring him for treating Thailand's drug users as patients, not criminals.